A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
